Kevin Durant and Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns were anticipated to be included on Team USA’s 12-man roster for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, but they were taken aback by the way they learned of their inclusion.

Before the Suns’ game against the Timberwolves last weekend, Durant and Booker entered a Minneapolis room where they spotted Grant Hill, the managing director of USA Basketball’s men’s national team, standing there wearing Team USA jerseys.

“We were clueless,” Booker remarked. “G’s (Grant Hill) is there and the jerseys are there.”

Booker will wear No. 15, while Durant will wear No. 7.

Booker said, “Fire,” when questioned about the jerseys.

The final 12-man roster was revealed by USA Basketball on Wednesday morning. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Booker and three-time Olympian Durant won gold in 2021 in Tokyo.

Booker declared, “I’m excited about the experience.” “The roster is now available. It has a star-studded cast of legendary players who were not included in the previous edition. Going right from the 2021 NBA Finals to merely playing in the Olympics didn’t give me the whole experience. It will be enjoyable to experience it with our entire family.”

The remaining roster, selected by Hill and authorized by the USA Basketball board of directors, consists of Lakers forward and two-time Olympic champion LeBron James, Heat big man Bam Adebayo, Warriors guard Stephen Curry, Lakers big man Anthony Davis, Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, 76ers big man Joel Embiid, Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton, Celtics guard Jrue Holiday, Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, and Celtics forward Jayson Tatum.

In a press release, Hill stated, “I’m grateful to these 12 men for their commitment to represent USA Basketball.” “Some of the top basketball players in the world are from the United States, so I’m grateful for the overwhelming enthusiasm in joining this team. Although coming to this conclusion and going through the procedure wasn’t simple, it was enjoyable. We respect the caliber of competition we will encounter this summer. The world will be watching the USA as we compete in the most difficult basketball competition in history, as the Olympics are the pinnacle of sports.”

Bradley Beal, the standout guard for the Suns, was scheduled to play in 2021 but was unable to because of COVID-19. Though he wishes he could be on Team USA with Booker and Durant, he is delighted that his Suns teammates were selected.

“I’m in love with it,” Beal declared. “I feel envious. Though their team is incredible, I wish I was a member of it. There are so many gifted guys on the team, including my brother Jayson. I’m really happy for each and every one of those guys. I hope they have the finest possible health. Return the gold. That is all that is important.

With a broad smile on their faces, Durant and Booker accepted the jerseys from Hill.

In the jersey video, the 35-year-old Durant declared, “I love my USAB family.” “Every interaction I’ve had with them has changed my life, and I want to engage with them once more. I’m excited to see us win more gold at the Olympics, and I have a fantastic team coming this time around. Since my days are growing shorter, I’m utilizing every chance I get. Thus, I’m appreciative of it.

Steve Kerr, the head coach of the Warriors, is leading Team USA. Durant and Kerr won two NBA titles together in Golden State. Durant received the MVP award for the finals in both 2017 and 2018.

Kerr stated in a news release, “My staff and I are honored to coach this amazing group of players in our quest to win Olympic gold in Paris.” “We plan to represent USA Basketball with the utmost class and we hope to make our country proud.”

Holiday, Tatum, Adebayo, Durant, and Booker were on the last US team to win gold in Tokyo. With 435 points, Durant is the all-time top scorer for Team USA in the men’s Olympic basketball competition.

Durant leads Team USA in scoring average (19.8), field goals made (146), 3-point field goals made (74) and free throws made (69) during the Olympics. He is fourth in games played (24) and assists (71) and third in rebounds (118) and blocks (16).

In Las Vegas, training camp opens on July 6—one month after the NBA Finals. Beginning on July 10 in Las Vegas, Team USA will play a five-game exhibition match versus Canada. 

The USA will next play two more matches in Abu Dhabi on July 15 against Serbia and July 17 against Australia. The squad’s final two showcase games are scheduled for July 20 in London against South Sudan and July 22 in Berlin against Germany.

Team USA competes in three Olympic first-round matches in Group C in Lille, France on July 28, July 31, and August 3, against Serbia, South Sudan, and the victor of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico. the medal and knockout stages.

The lineup for Team USA is a response to James’s request for the NBA’s greatest players to compete in the Olympics after the United States failed to medal in the 2023 World Cup. Team USA has won four gold medals in a row in the Olympics.